WEB EXCLUSIVE: Greener Bird Control, Cleaner Facility

This Web exclusive FacilityBlog article has been contributed by Chrissy Hansen, media coordinator for Bird-X, a Chicago, IL-based provider of humane pest and bird control solutions.

Pest bird infestation is a common problem for large facilities. It can also become a very expensive problem. In fact, pest birds can cost organizations hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Investing in preventive bird control is a cost-effective way to keep pest birds away from your facility permanently. More and more facilities are turning to “green” bird control methods such as bird spikes, bird netting, and sonic repellent devices to address pest bird infestation. These types of products are humane, eco-friendly, and require little maintenance.
Bird droppings require constant cleanup, resulting in increased labor and energy costs. Birds and their droppings pose a multitude of risks to the workplace environment, including:

Slip-and-fall liability;

Unsanitary work conditions that result in fines, lawsuits, and even facility shut-downs;

Spread of disease and bacteria (bird droppings are linked to over 60 transmissible diseases);

Product contamination;

Corrosion of property and equipment;

Fire hazards due to bird nests in vents and chimneys; and

Interference with machinery, power lines, etc.

For facility managers (fms) responsible for multiple buildings, it is especially beneficial to implement preventive bird control for all sites. This decision can result in big savings compared with the reactionary costs of recurring cleanups, repairs, and replacements associated with pest bird infestation. When choosing a bird control supplier, fms should look for a full service provider that can put together a comprehensive solution to meet specific goals and needs.

Some Of The Options
Bird spikes and bird netting are barrier bird control methods, and both approaches are fully effective everywhere they are installed. Pigeons will roost on surfaces that are easily available, like rooftops, ledges, and wires. Bird spikes take away that option by making it nearly impossible for birds to land. For larger areas, bird netting can be installed to keep birds out. A more discreet option for surfaces like window sills, signs, and statues is roost inhibiting gel, which makes surfaces sticky and uncomfortable for birds.

A cost-effective option for large open areas is sonic/ultrasonic devices. Sonic bird repellers use bird distress calls and predator cries to condition birds to avoid an area. Sonic units can cover large areas, up to several acres. For applications where silence is preferred, ultrasonic units emit high frequency sounds that repel birds, but are silent to humans. Ultrasonic bird control devices typically cover smaller areas, semi-enclosed spaces, or indoor areas.

Preventive bird control solutions can save fms a lot of time, money, and hassle over the long term. It is a practice that helps managers foster a positive image for their facility, as well as presenting their department in a positive light to upper management.

About Facility Executive

Facility Executive is your one-stop source for information on quality operation, design and maintenance of facilities. Facility Executive offers a shared community of facility management experts who explore and analyze issues that affect your facility and its environment.

Facility Executive is a specialized trade publication written and edited for corporate facility executives in all industry and service sectors whose responsibilities include purchasing, planning and approving products, services and materials for facility operations.